Al-Hayat’s Monday edition stated that Dahiyeh has recently been the center of attention as a result of worsening security conditions, adding that both the Amal Movement and Hezbollah – which have a stronghold in the area – have sent representatives to meet with Interior Minister Ziad Baroud to solve the situation.

Al-Hayat added that in an attempt to resolve the issue, Amal and Hezbollah held meetings behind closed doors, one of which was reportedly presided over by Speaker Nabih Berri and included Development and Liberation bloc MP Ali Hassan Khalil and Amal Official Ahmad Baalbaki. Hezbollah secretary general’s political aide, Hussein Khalil, as well as Loyalty to the Resistance bloc MP Ali Ammar and Hezbollah official Wafiq Safa were also present during the meeting.

According to the daily, the parties established that protecting or providing political cover to any outlaw because of his position or political affiliation is unacceptable.

Representatives after the meeting said Dahiyeh can no longer be “a chaotic place,” in which gangs involved in drug trafficking and money laundering hide from the Internal Security Forces (ISF). The representatives stressed that such a phenomenon in the Resistance’s entourage threatens its security and stability.

Baroud, in turn, said that the Interior Ministry will tighten security measures “not only in Dahiyeh, but throughout Lebanon.”

He also said there is cooperation with the security services in Dahiyeh, emphasizing the need for coordination to keep the area safe.

-NOW Lebanon